The last Monday of January looks like any other drab working day in Belgium, but with just four days until the end of the month the federal negotiations should at long last be coming to an end to deliver the long-overdue Federal Government.
Leading the talks is Bart De Wever, of the Flemish nationalists N-VA and likely Belgium's next Prime Minister. Weary from yet another weekend of discussions with clashing coalition partners, De Wever said on Monday that "the deadline is the deadline" – which means Friday. But though the finish line is within touching distance, doubts abound whether we are actually about to get an executive.
The five parties of the "Arizona" government are still at odds about how to fix the country's finances. "Saving more than €20 billion is no pleasure trip," De Wever sighed, resigned to then uncomfortable but necessary reforms needed to steady the ship. Then again, there's a chance that the parties don't reach a deal, prolonging the negotiations or scuppering the uneasy coalition altogether.
It would be a blow to Belgium's fortunes at a crucial moment in emerging geopolitics. To understand the risk to Europe – but to which Belgium is now especially vulnerable – I spoke to one of the country's foremost economists, Bruno Colmant. A successful financier and former head of the Brussels stock exchange, Colmant was explicit about the scale of the challenges ahead and the need for a decisive response.
Is Europe up to the task? Elon Musk's appointment as head of the US' new Department of Government Efficiency has drawn widespread criticism, with detractors pointing to his disdain for official procedures and contempt for the busy-bodies whose expertise upholds public services.
But if anywhere could do with a thorough audit of its administrative framework, it must surely be Belgium. Granted, the scattergun approach is problematic. But with its three language communities, three regions, and six governments, it's little wonder that the time to diagnose a problem, agree on a treatment, and administer the remedy, is painfully protracted.
The wake-up call grows louder every day. But will Belgium stir?
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1. What hope for Belgium? Lead economist reflects on division, debt, and the Trump effect
There's no disguising Belgium's remarkable inefficiency. But how can the country settle its internal divisions to face the future united? We asked economist Bruno Colmant. Read more.
2. The last sprint? De Wever plans (final) government talks from Wednesday
De Wever hopes there will be unanimity among the parties on a coalition agreement by Friday. If not, he may throw in the towel. Read more.
3. Love Honey – the rapid rise of illegal libido enhancing nectar in Europe
"We would most definitely warn consumers to not buy these products. There is a reason Viagra can only be sold with prescription." Read more.
4. World commemorates 80th anniversary of Auschwitz liberation on Monday
When the camp was liberated on 27 January 1945, Red Army soldiers freed some 7,000 survivors and unveiled the horrors of the Holocaust. Read more.
5. Teacher strike: Key roads and tunnels closed in Brussels
Protesters started marching at 11:00, and police have closed off all streets included in the march's route, causing disruption. Read more.
6. Belgian footballer arrested in investigation into cocaine trafficking
As part of an investigation into cocaine being imported from South America to Europe, police searched 30 homes and arrested Belgian footballer Radja Nainggolan. Read more.
7. Less than 1% of private sector workers carried over annual leave to 2025
The non-profit sector had the highest percentage of workers transferring leave days to the following year. Read more.
